Ferguson felt some pain in his right foot after bowling a spell in the informal warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday and an initial medical assessment indicated he would not be fit enough to take part in the entire tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Given the proximity to the start of the Champions Trophy and the short nature of the tournament, the decision was made to send Ferguson home to begin rehabilitation, the New Zealand Cricket said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It added that fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will replace Ferguson in the squad and will depart for Pakistan this evening.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men\u2019s Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Jamieson as a replacement for Ferguson in the New Zealand squad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jamieson returned to domestic cricket for the Canterbury Kings in the Super Smash in December, following a 10-month stint on the sideline rehabilitating a stress fracture in his back.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He played a key role as the Kings reached the Grand Final, finishing as the competition\u2019s joint second leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets, including figures of 4-12 against the Central Stags at Hagley Oval.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He featured in Canterbury\u2019s Round 8 Ford Trophy match against the Central Stags last week as well as Round 9 win over Northern Districts in Hamilton.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ferguson became the second Kiwi to be ruled out of the mega event, as the New Zealand already lost pacer Ben Sears due to a hamstring injury earlier this week with seamer Jacob Duffy coming in as a replacement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said it was tough news for Ferguson and the team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019re really disappointed for Lockie,\u201d said Stead. \u201cLockie is a key part of the bowling group and brings a lot of major tournament experience and we know how much he was looking forward to representing New Zealand at another major event. We wish him well for his recovery and hope he is back firing soon.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Stead said Jamieson\u2019s unique skillset made him an effective replacement for Ferguson.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cKyle brings plenty of pace and extra bounce which will suit the conditions here in Pakistan. He\u2019s shown since returning in the Dream11 Super Smash how effective he can be in the shorter forms of the game, and he\u2019s bowled with real pace and energy which is what you\u2019re looking for from a pace bowler, especially at a pinnacle event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been pleased with the progress he\u2019s made since returning and we feel his loading over the past few weeks and his successful spells in the recent Ford Trophy match mean he will be good to go if required in the tournament,\" Stead added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand will begin their against the hosts Pakistan in Karachi in the tournament opener on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been pleased with the progress he\u2019s made since returning and we feel his loading over the past few weeks and his successful spells in the recent Ford Trophy match mean he will be good to go if required in the tournament,\" Stead added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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